“No ancient and venerable one. The Blood Druids put me into the half-sleep of death. I did not age these past fifty years lying in a stone grave. I was freed by my companions.” She gestures to those beside her.
Holl-tu spits upon the ground. “The Druids are a curse on this land. May they all rot under the ground where they hide from the light?
I have faced a few of them long ago. At one time, they were about gathering other wizards and sorcerers into their fold. Many I knew who shunned me are now the slaves to the Druids. Their souls corrupted and damned.
They came for me not far from here. I cast a spell to disappear and escape their wrath. My magic is not strong enough to what those of evil can bring forth. If the Druids are your enemies, then you can be called a friend. Come inside and warm yourselves by my fire. I do not have much food, but you are welcome to what I possess.”
“Thanks to you noble wizard,” says Amari.
The sorcerer raises his staff. A bright light issues from a yellow gem on top of the knotted and twisted pole. It lights their path as they cross the open field and enter an archway through shattered stone walls. The wizard leads them across an overgrown garden path and up steep stairs to a large tower. The upper section of the structure is still whole. It has escaped the ruin that befell this place.
A heavy door opens at his beckoning. They enter another world. Flickering sparks of light dance about the room. One alights on Gareth’s head until he brushes it away.
“It is only a sprite who wishes to comfort you large one.” The sorcerer says while smiling.
Gareth continues to swat at it until the speck of light dances in the air away from him.
The interior of the tower room is clean and bright. A large metal kettle of sweet-smelling bubbling stew sits suspended over a crackling fire. The room is filled with other aromas and scents. Some odors are not as pleasing as the others are.
A large wall is dominated by a floor to ceiling bookcase. Each shelf is crammed with books and every size glass jar imaginable. Some of the colored and swirling contents are recognizable by the Maiden. There are cinnamon chips, dragon's blood resin, willow tears, powdered yellow cassia. None of the other containers shows a label or mark, so they are unknown to her.
Next to the fireplace is a large and much used fur covered chair. Several candles are burning upon small pedestals. Their wisps of smoke rise to the ceiling to escape out the open window above. The stone floor is covered with mats of animal fur. There is only one other window graces the comfortable looking room. It looks out upon the forest and the night.
“Come, sit and rest. You are safe here. My conjuring will protect us from those who may seek you.”
“Even from evil witches as well?” Dian asks.
The wizard looks to Amari. “Even the shade covets your trail?”
She makes a mystic sign in the air. “The king’s soldiers, Druids I expect, beasts, and yes, a dark witch—my sister, Urel.”
The wizard makes his own magical sign in the air. “Mortals will never come near here. As for Druids and witches, we will know of their presence long before they are close enough to cause us peril.”
The travelers gather around the warm fire. Holl-tu offers his large chair for Amari. The others sit on the fur rugs near the hearth.
The old wizard takes wooden bowls from a cupboard and ladles hot stew into each one. He hands them to the Maiden and her companions. “I am sorry, no meat graces this stew. It is only potatoes, and some greens gathered from the garden.”
“No need to worry ancient one. The thickness of the stew fills in the empty space in our middles,” Natsha says while spooning in mouthful after mouthful.
Holl-tu remarks while watching them devoir the meatless stew. “It has been a while since you all have eaten?”
“Our journey affords little time to eat,” Dian says. “We find whatever can be picked from berry bushes, or if we happen upon an orchard.”
“You have made a comfortable abode here old one” Gareth says. “How long have you claimed this as home and hearth?”
Holl-tu looks to Gareth and seems to measure the breath of this large man. “Tell me sailor; how is it you have come to travel with the Maiden of old?”
Gareth looks to his clothes. “I need to gather new wrappings as everyone seems to know I traveled the high seas!”
“It is not so much of your body coverings, as your scent and demeanor. You carry yourself like a man of the sea. Your steps are of one who would rather walk on the deck of a swaying ship. When I look at you, I see the deep. I do not know how long you have been ashore, but you are surrounded by the smell of salt water. It is in your blood.”
He looks at Natsha. “Now you are or were a thief. I can see in your eyes that you have bound yourself to serve the Maiden. You also have great feelings for this large man” as he motions to Gareth.
Natsha and Gareth smile at each other.
“Truk, I remember the last time we strode the same road. We stood back to back facing several large and toothy bears. Your mighty axe and my lightning bolts dispatched all that sought our flesh.”
The wizard nods at Roarken next to Truk. “Warrior standing by my old friend—what are you called?”
“I am Roarken, the Huntsman. I too serve the Maiden and have rejoined her quest.”
“Why do you were the leather of a king’s soldier?”
“To save myself and protect Truk, I donned this disguise, so I could roam free about the castle. I am a hunted man as well. Many would like my head on a pig pole.”
“The people of this land care little for a king’s man. Your armor and trappings may bring more attention for you and the others than you need.”
The old man goes to a small trunk in the corner of the room. From it, he takes a discolored red tunic, trousers, leather coat and boots. He hands them to Roarken. “It is best you retire from this disguise to another. I am sorry I have no armor to give you.”
Roarken takes the offered clothes, thanks Holl-tu and goes into a dark corner to change.
The sorcerer looks into Dian’s deep green eyes. “You young one, are a mystery. I cannot read your spirit or aura. From whence do you hail?”
“I am Dian. Once put under a spell by an evil witch. For a time, I was chained to the sea as a Nix. Amari broke the curse and returned me to walk upon the land again. To the Maiden, I owe my life and sword arm. Where she travels, I will also. Her friends are mine as well. The Maiden’s enemies will feel my sword as it cleaves their bodies.”
The Wizard looks at her long warrior’s dress and short stabbing knife hung about her slender waist. “That small blade will not stand against a man’s sword little one!”
Dian sees a bucket of water next to the fire and points to it. “You use this for smothering the fire if it seeks to escape the hearth do you not?”
“Yes, it is used for that purpose. Why do you ask?”
“Stand and watch wizard.” Moving her hands in a blur and uttering several ancient words. The water rises from the bucket and takes the shape of a watery sword. It turns to shimmering crystal and fills Dian’s hand. She raises it in salute to Amari and the others. “This is my right arm for battle old one. As long as I have water about, Hydrosin will serve only me.”
“That is a notable trick little one.”
“This is not a deception naysayer. This sword has claimed many an enemy by my hand.”
Amari pulls Katana from its scabbard. So does Gareth when Helixx fills his hand. The trio of swords cross each other and radiate a bright blue and white light.
She speaks to Holl-tu. “These are three of the swords from the Kcaj Pentadiene. In your travels, you may have heard of their existence wizard.
We are seeking the Wind and Fire sword. When the Pentadiene is complete, no one who follows the shade will claim us in battle. We will free this land of the would-be king, his brother and the Horde from over the mountains who seek to overrun Aventine. Among those we count as enemies are others who shed
the blood of the innocents and of course, the cursed Druids.”
The old wizard exams each of the faces of those seated before him. The honor bound connection and trust shared by each of them awakens the old man’s heart. It has been decades since he has seen such valiant warriors as these.
A deep-rooted desire to be a part of this quest stirs him to speak.
“I have lived many years and grow tired of this realm. I thought to die quietly in peace. When the time grew near, would I go into the fields lie down and let go of this mortal body. All the mysteries of this realm will be solved in the next. I would be one with the earth again. My spirit walking with the Gods we often call upon in our time of pain.
The force that surrounds you all has raised a renewed strength in me I have not felt in a long, long, time. Your bond with each other, though unseen, fills this room with great power. I am most desirous to be a part of what you have.
Those fabled swords you wield in battle were thought a myth. Just a teller’s recounted fable to amuse and distract. Even though no mighty blade fills my hand, might I add my powers to you and your quest Maiden?
I have mastered many a spell and enchantment. Even to die in battle will be a blessing then languishing here in hiding. Too long have I been a miserable old man; fearful to come out from behind my conjuring to shake another’s hand in greeting.”
“Old one,” says Gareth. “You may slow us down as we are to travel fast! I am already carrying this dwarf. I cannot add another to my shoulders.”
“Hush Gareth,” Amari says. “I welcome all who wish to join us in the fight against evil. Holl-tu’s conjuring will be most useful to confuse our enemies. We each have certain skills to bring to the quest.”
Wizard, if you wish to become a warrior for truth and the light, you must swear to defend the same. Know that our trials will be many and laden with danger and death. All of us here will die to protect each other. Can you do the same?”
“I can and will Maiden. This will redeem me in the eyes of the gods and my ancient teacher. I fear I have shamed myself by not adding anything to this land. I was only concerned with my own doings. Look where that has gotten me. I was reluctant to venture out from the safety of my small protected world inside these walls. This is no way a man or wizard should live.
Once, I was great and my powers held no equal. I was given respect among the astrological community who believed the stars foretold ones future. That is all blown away by the winds of time like autumn leaves. No one seeks my sage advice anymore.
So by all that is right and just, do I Holl-tu Seaject add my staff to your cause. To protect the women, children and elders of this land, do I promise to defend. I vow for those assembled here who possess hearts of courage will I serve as warrior and sword brother”
“Well spoken, Holl-tu. My senses tell me your heart is truthful, and I welcome you into our fold. What say you my warrior brothers and sisters?”
One by one, they all raise their swords in salute and acceptance. Only Gareth is a little slow to respond. However, Amari knows this is the way of Gareth. He will always mull over for time anything that will affect us.
Gareth gazes into Amari’s eyes and sees the reassuring look. Turning to face Holl-tu fully, he says. “Wizard, with this sword I vow to protect you as I have done with the others gathered here. Welcome my new friend and brother.” Gareth gives Holl-tu a big bear hug.
The sorcerer looks to Amari while having the life squeezed from his body. “Is he always this way?”
“You have a friend for life ancient one—accept it!”
One by one, the warriors approach Holl-tu and welcome their new ally. Some accept him with firm handshakes, others with a kiss on the cheek or a warm embrace. Holl-tu feels like he has a family now. Let the adventure begin.
Amari and the wizard go back outside the room and stand upon the stair landing. The rest find a place to sit and finish eating.
Holl-tu watches the woman next to him as she stares out into the night. “Maiden, your exploits are legendary. Old ones still recount your battles and magic to their young. I saw many an adolescent maiden professes to be like you.
Properly schooled, they do not openly display this admiration for you when the king’s men are about. Those who obey the king still fear you and will bring destruction to any who call upon your name.”
Amari just listens knowing all too well that given the chance, her head would be cleaved from her shoulders by those who practice evil and follow the ways of the shade.
The sorcerer raises his staff into the air and dips the end away from him. A fine mist issues from the glowing end. It spreads around the buildings and out into the night.
“There, I have set a watch that will deter any that may come here this night.” Singing softly, he calls out into the darkness. The wild birds, frogs and other animals that prowl about in the dark set up a chorus in answer to his singing.
Then all is quiet again.
“My magic will cause the faint of heart to flee, but no so a Druid or another maker of magic. Those of nature, who answered my call, will warn us of any spell casters who may approach our rest.”
Amari can see the magic mist at work. Faint outlines of dragons and wild beasts prowl about the night. These incantations are for the eyes of men only. Creatures of the field are not so fooled. She takes his offered arm and together they walk back inside.
Natsha and Dian are snuggled together and asleep. Even though the women are sleeping soundly and are roaming about in dreams, Natsha’s hand rests lightly on her sword. Her finger twitches once and again, to reassure herself, even asleep, her hand is touching a blade.
Roarken has just placed a large cloak over the sleeping Truk. He himself finds a soft spot among old rags and falls asleep.
Gareth, ever vigilant stands looking out the window with crossbow in hand. A steel bolt already charged and ready to fire.
Amari comes to his side and places a hand upon his forearm. “Gareth, get some rest. Tomorrow we will tackle the mighty peaks. Holl-tu has placed magic all about to protect us from those that wish to do us harm. He has even enlisted the animals to give voice if those of magic should happen upon this keep.”
Gareth pats her hand with calloused and hard fingers. “You rest Maiden. I cannot until we are much further afield and away from where the king’s men or your sister can reach us.”
The wizard standing to the side looks to Amari. “Sister, who is the one Gareth, calls your sister? Is she also your enemy?”
“She is my blood sister who has turned from truth to darkness. She serves the evil ones.”
He searches her face and as if a light flashed on in his eyes, he says. “You mean Urel Irgini. Yes, I can see the likeness now. I have seen her traveling about with the king’s men as bodyguards. How can one as pure as you have a kin who is a shade?”
“She was seduced by those who work black magic. I fear she is too far into the darkness to see the light anymore. Her cause is to serve evil and rid the earth of my presence. She was always envious of Katana selecting me and means to have the enchanted saber as he own—that I cannot allow!”
“I have heard her magic is as great as yours. Can she be defeated?”
“By myself alone; no—we are too evenly matched. The best would be a draw after much blood is cast. However, with Gareth possessing Helixx and Dian’s Hydrosin, we outmatch her in both power and strength. She possesses the Fire Sword and seeks the other sabers as well. My sister does not know we are three of the Kcaj. None of the haloed sabers can defeat the others. Nor can they be broken.
Their magic increases as they are brought together. Whoever acquires all five will be unstoppable commanding the elements of nature. Now my new ally we must rest as well. Tomorrow will be upon us soon. We venture to be gone at first light.”
The sorcerer bows his head and goes into another room which is his bed chambers. He returns a short time later, arms laden with blankets. “Maiden, you will do me honor if you take my c
omfortable bed, and I will rest here with your companions.”
“Thank you Holl-tu, but slumber will not come quickly for me this night. I prefer to stay here among the others until I cannot fend off sleep any longer.”
“As you wish young one.”
Amari sits down on several blankets the wizard spreads about the floor.
Another he drapes over the sleeping Natsha and Dian. He saves one for himself. Lying upon his sleeping pallet and just before he dozes off, he sees Amari rocking back and forth lightly chanting.
The sorcerer knows those words she speaks. The White Witch is trying to see what the future holds for these adventurers. Besides the Maiden, only Gareth remains awake to keep watch. His unmoving form stares out into the night.
Chapter 11 – The Mistress of Warriors
Another hard day of travel and the weary band of warriors arrive at the base of the three peaks, as twilight approaches. Twice they narrowly escaped a large number of soldiers on patrol. Along their journey, Natsha had dropped behind and watched their back trail. She had the feeling someone or something was behind them. Not too close, but near enough to keep the warriors in sight.
Whoever may be tracking them is clever as the red fox which hunts in the fields and wood. The silent tracker knows Natsha waits around the next bend with bow cocked and ready to give it flight.
Amari knows it too as she and Natsha have talked when they stop to rest.
“Maiden, does your perception show what or who is tracking us just out of sight?”
“I am of your mind. I know something is there and has been ever since we left the Wizard’s home. I cannot get a true picture as he, she, or it hovers just outside my sensory range.
Once I had a vision of a great beast following our track. The watcher quickly disappeared when I reached out further with my mind. I dare to say no man tracks us, but something much deadlier and with a greater purpose. Rest assured, whatever it may be; it means to do us harm. Be ever watchful sister!”
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